Threatened and Endangered Species

The Natural Heritage Program maintains lists of North Carolina's rare plants and animals, using input from the US Fish & Wildlife Service, the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, and the NC Plant Conservation Program.

• Rare plant list
• Rare animal list

The North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission identifies priority wildlife species found in longleaf pine forests in the N.C. Wildlife Action Plan – NCWRC 2015

Safe Harbor Program

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TThe Safe Harbor Program was initiated in the North Carolina Sandhills in 1995. The basic idea behind a safe harbor agreement is that people who do good deeds shouldn’t be punished for doing them. Safe Harbor agreements assure landowners that if they restore or enhance habitat, they won’t incur any new restrictions if their actions result in an endangered species taking up residence.

• The Safe Harbor Program for Red-cockaded Woodpeckers in North Carolina – USFWS Brochure
• Safe Harbor Program Website – USFWS
• An Introduction to NC Statewide Red-cockaded Woodpecker Safe Harbor Program – NCWRC Presentation 2012

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